White-eyed Litter Frog – Leptobrachium leucops – Stuart, Rowley, Tran, Le & Hoang, 2011

Science name: Leptobrachium leucops – Stuart, Rowley, Tran, Le & Hoang, 2011

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Amphibia>> Anura >> Megophryidae >> leucops

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: VU (Vunerable)

Description: Physical Characteristics:
Leptobrachium leucops is a nocturnal amphibian with a relatively stout body. Its head is broad and flat, with a round snout and large, slightly protruding eyes. The species has a distinctive appearance due to the black eyes with a white upper third of the iris and the absence of visible vomerine teeth. The body is covered in smooth skin with a network of fine ridges along the back, and small granular bumps near the hind area.

The forelimbs are slender, with fingers that lack webbing. The toes are also slender and relatively short, without webbing, though the hind legs are somewhat stocky. The dorsal coloration is dark gray with Y-shaped dark brown markings, edged in cream, extending from the top of the eyelids to the back. The limbs show alternating dark and light bands.
The belly is dark, ranging from gray to purplish hues, with black spots and white flecks along the chest, limbs, and underbelly. Notably, the inner thighs have white glandular structures, and the armpit glands are also visible and pale-colored.
Coloration and Appearance:
The species’ dark gray dorsum is highlighted with cream-edged dark brown markings, while the underside is gray to purplish with black and white spots. The most striking feature is the dark eyes with a white upper third of the iris.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation:
Leptobrachium leucops has been recorded at elevations between 1,065 and 1,900 meters above sea level.

Area:
This species is endemic to Vietnam, specifically found in montane regions such as Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong and Khanh Hoa Provinces), Phuoc Binh National Park (Ninh Thuan Province), and Ta Dung Nature Reserve (Dak Nong Province).

Habitat:
Leptobrachium leucops inhabits montane evergreen cloud forests, particularly in areas with thick, moist leaf litter. The species is closely associated with streamside environments, where males are known to call near streams, often from small burrows beneath the leaf litter. Its habitat also includes freshwater wetlands such as rivers and creeks, which are crucial for its breeding and larval development.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle:
Leptobrachium leucops is nocturnal, foraging primarily on insects in its montane forest environment. During the rainy season, males call from near streams or burrows under leaf litter to attract females for breeding. Tadpoles of the species have been observed in streams, where they likely develop.

Reproduction:
The species breeds in the rainy season, with males calling near streams to attract females. The species is presumed to lay eggs in water, where the tadpoles develop, similar to other members of the Leptobrachium genus.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Leptobrachium leucops is listed as Vulnerable (B1ab(i,iii)) due to its limited distribution, fragmented population, and the ongoing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

Population Trend:
The population of Leptobrachium leucops is currently decreasing, likely due to habitat loss and degradation in its limited range.

Threats:
The primary threats to the species are habitat loss and degradation caused by deforestation, agricultural expansion, and the development of infrastructure in montane regions. These activities reduce the quality of the forest and freshwater habitats essential for the species’ survival.

Conservation Actions:
While specific conservation measures are not well documented, the species occurs within several protected areas, including Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park. Continued monitoring of its population and habitat, alongside efforts to mitigate habitat destruction, will be essential for its conservation.